RATES NOT PAYABLE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17911, 15 October 1932, Page 12

RATES NOT PAYABLE

LAND ACQUIRED BY CROWN OPOTIKf COUNTY PROTEST The unfair attitude adopted by the Government in connection with tho payment of rates on Crown lands was again demonstrated at the monthly meeting of the Opotiki County Council, when a letter was read from the Valuation Department concerning a property formerly occupied by tbe late Mrs. Ferguson, of Omarumutu, Opotiki County, stating that it had been acquired 'by the Grown for native land development purposes, and expressing the opinion that general rates were not now payable. Tile chairman, Mr. J. H. Reid, said lie did not agree with this view, although the same attitude was taken up by the Native Department, Rotorua, from whom a letter had been received. He reviewed the procedure when the Apamii estate was acquired from the late Mr. H. R. Hogg, when it was decided that the council was entitled to the rates, The same thing happened at To Wont, which is situated between Matawai and Waioeka. Mr. Gault said they should press the matter further, and on the chairman’s suggestion the council decided to write to the Prime Minister asking for a definite statement on the subject.